The Station Hotel has officially reopened its doors in Altrincham after a dramatic transformation - and here's an exclusive first look inside.
The historic Stamford New Road venue will be back open from 6pm today after a major £250,000 refurbishment by owners Blind Tiger Inns, which has seen the pub transformed throughout in just 12 days.
Manager Dan Millward said the work had "touched every corner of the pub".
The old games room - previously home to a single pool table and darts board - has been converted into a new lounge area visible from the street.
"It was quite cold in the winter, it wasn't that inviting," said Millward. "Now it's a really nice cozy area for daytimes and for nighttimes. If you want to grab a drink, you want to come and do a little bit of work on your laptop, there's a space for everybody."
The former raised seating area is now a dedicated sports games room with two interactive dart boards and two pool tables, free to play until 7pm on weekdays.
Twelve new screens have been installed throughout, with the venue positioning itself as a destination for live sport.
"We want to make everyone aware that we are the home of sport," said Millward. "We're renowned for having Altrincham fans and Manchester United fans and Manchester Storm come in here before the game, after the game, because they use the transport across the road."
New bifolding doors open onto an outdoor courtyard with two large screens, an area Millward said would come into its own for the World Cup later this year.
"When it's nice and sunny outside, it becomes a bit of a sun trap. That is the place to be really."
The bar has been extended to allow service from multiple points, and the toilets have been fully upgraded.
"Everything has been thought about," said Millward. "Why wouldn't you want to come and sit in here no matter what you're doing? Catching up with friends, on a date night, or just doing a bit of work in the day and grabbing a coffee."
The refurbishment is intended to attract a new crowd while keeping regulars happy.
"Before it was tailored to the customers that have been coming here for such a long time," said Millward. "That's great, but we now appeal to such a wider audience. To have a pub of mixed people is what you want."
The venue will offer after-work drinks deals until 7pm on weekdays, and entertainment including DJs and live acoustic music will run across Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Station is open from 11am during the week and until 1am at weekends.
Here's a first look inside:
